Reviewing the latest photos and video of the Cayman GT4 is quite perplexing. Who is this $84k machine aimed at?>

Perhaps 911 GT3 aspirers, but for half the cash?

The 4.2-second sprint to 60, intensely upgraded aero all around, sport exhaust and slammed ride height all point firmly toward the racetrack.

But even Porsche knows it has a problem: there is no Cayman badge on the back of the car. Just Porsche and GT4 letters to mark out the model.

And that is the crux of it: this is a halo Cayman that hopes to ramp up excitement around the $52k Cayman... but this GT4 appears is embarrassed about that link.

Not a happy place, for this car, no matter how joyful the drive experience undoubtedly is. The options and builder bumps the price up even more radically: custom paints, race seats or adaptive sport seats and other goodies can take the car's price to $99k. Fierce competition in that price range, obviously, from Porsche's signature model. Not to mention the Corvette Z06, Nissan GT-R, BMW M5, Mercedes CLS63 AMG........

So who is this GT4 actually... "for"?

At the end of the day, this car is still massively over-priced and under-amazing. There is nothing on this GT4 that justifies a $30k price bump. It is basically a few spoilers, an ECU reflash and new muffler.

2016 Porsche CAYMAN GT4

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The new Cayman GT4 is a huge bit of news! An ultra-hardcore model with 380-horsepower and a chassis overhaul complete with 911 GT3 tech bits throughout, this sweet new Cayman flagship will make many Porsche Club members thrilled.

The GT4 is not just the huge wing and aerokit all around.

It also crosses a threshold Porsche has so far been reluctant about: a pricing overlap with the base 911.

The base 911 Carrera 2 is a cruiser at heart, though, and will not really compete directly with this new $85,000 Cayman GT4.

Overlap is good. Let the Cayman GT4 have its day in the sun. Lord knows the Cayman needs a hardcore halo model to butch up its street and track cred.

2016 Porsche Cayman GT4

Geneva Debut

THE BENCHMARK IN ITS CLASS: THE PORSCHE CAYMAN GT4

03/02/15

A new member of Porsche’s GT family

Atlanta. Porsche’s GT family is proud to announce the addition of an exciting new member: the Cayman GT4. This is the first Porsche GT sports car based on the Cayman and features components of the 911 GT3. Clocking a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the Cayman GT4 earns the same lap time as the 2011 911 GT3 and positions itself as the new benchmark atop its market segment. The Cayman GT4 clearly demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach.

The engine, chassis, brakes, and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics while retaining the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seater Porsche coupe. Powered by a 385 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine, the Cayman GT4 transmits its power solely through a six-speed manual transmission with dynamic gearbox mounts. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.2 seconds; its top track speed is 183 mph. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower ride height and a generously sized brake system – consists almost entirely of components from the 911 GT3.

Ready for the race track: The first Porsche Cayman with added downforce at both axles The exterior of the Cayman GT4 highlights it as a member of the Porsche GT family and provides a clear distinction to related mid-engine coupes. Three pronounced inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for downforce. Upon request, the performance capabilities of Cayman GT4 can be taken even further. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app.

The interior of the Cayman GT4 focuses on maximizing the experience of unfiltered driving enjoyment for both driver and passenger. Standard sport seats, which are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®, offer excellent lateral support. The new Cayman GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions.

Technical aspects of this new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class, it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.

GT sports cars engineered by Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and Porsche’s competition heritage and highlight the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance.

The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show. This vehicle will arrive at U.S. dealers in July 2015. The starting MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $84,600. MSRP does not include a destination charge of $995.